Measurements of applied loads on ice hockey sticks

Engineering of Sport 15 - Proceedings from the 15th International Conference on the Engineering of Sport (ISEA 2024)

During ice hockey games, various shot types are attempted such as wrist shots, snap shots, slap shots, and toe drags. Each shot also varies depending on the situation, position, and available time. Measuring the load applied to the stick can unveil biomechanical insights essential for optimizing the shot technique, advancing player performance, and improving stick design and durability. Previous studies have only investigated the grip force and dynamic strain profile to which an ice hockey stick is subjected during a shot. This study aims to create a compact sensor system that measures the forces and torques applied by each player’s hands onto a stick during different shots.